Right To Repair In The Aftermarket: Whose Responsibility Is It?
Today, aftermarket associations, carmaker associations, parts manufacturers and suppliers are working together to solve a myriad of complex issues with the original core issue hanging over their head: money.
BRAKE JOB: 2004-2009 Mazda3 Pads, Rotors And Parking Brake
The 2004-2009 Mazda3 is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Nothing is really groundbreaking about the brake system, but not paying attention to the details can end in a post-brake-job comeback.
Diagnostic Logic: Why ‘I think …’ Is The Most Dangerous Diagnostic Phrase
I have a friend who is always telling me about his latest diagnostic misadventures. The phrase he uses a lot starts with “I think,” followed by a patchwork tale of myths, stuff he read online and personal experience. He often theorizes about what is going on inside of the combustion chamber and relates it to a random MIL code.
Brake Pad Chamfers, Slots And Shapes: Controlling Brake Noise
When the brake pad’s friction surface is not in harmony with the caliper and rotor, the result is usually noise. But, brake pad manufacturers have some tricks to prevent this problem or at least shift it outside of the range of human hearing.
Drive Shaft And Drivetrain Vibrations: Understanding The Order And Math
To determine if a vibration is vehicle- or engine-speed related, the easiest thing to do is slip the transmission into neutral and let the vehicle coast when the vibration is most noticeable. If the vibration continues, then the vibration is vehicle-speed related. Likewise, if the vibration subsides, the vibration is engine-speed related.
Tech Tip: Continuous Damping Control (CDC) Damper Diagnosis And Replacement
More automotive manufacturers today are opting for the use of the continuously variable damping system called Continuous Damping Control (CDC) in their vehicles. It permanently monitors “influencing” factors, such as the road condition, load, vehicle body acceleration and driver’s actions.
Solving Automatic Transmission Electronic Control Problems
Troubleshooting an automatic transmission can be one of the most intimidating diagnostic procedures at a shop. The first reaction is typically, “We don’t do that type of work,” but there is profit in performing drivetrain diagnostics and “in-the-car” repairs.
Subaru Tech Tip: Error Codes Following Wheel Bearing Hub Replacement
On the hubs for 2005-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback applications, a speed sensor mounts into the knuckle. It’s exposed end extends out behind the bearing to capture pulses from an encoder ring on the back of the bearing.
